The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the suicide statistics for 2013. The rate remains consistently high which is of concern to all the agencies working on reducing suicide in Australia.
Suicide still remains the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44. It is also concerning that 75% of suicides are men. The issue of suicide remains a high priority for the Loddon Healthy Minds Network.
Lifeline, a leading agency in dealing with prevention of suicide has produced the following media release which discusses the statistics.
SUICIDE RATES REMAIN STUBBORNLY HIGH
The number of suicides in Australia remains stubbornly high with no significant reduction in numbers over the last 12 months.
Today's Australian Bureau of Statistics Causes of Death report states there were 2,522 deaths by suicide in 2013, compared to 2,574 in 2012.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44. Around three out of four suicides in Australia are men.
1000 more Australians died by suicide, than through transport accidents.
"The release of these statistics is a timely reminder that Lifeline is available to all Australians in their time of need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Lifeline Chairman John Brogden.
"Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation our trained volunteers are ready to listen, provide support and referrals.
"One of the ways we can make a dent in these tragic suicide numbers is to encourage people struggling with issues in their lives to talk to others about it. The more we can encourage people to seek help at these times, the better placed we are to provide them with the support they need."
It's clear that Lifeline's services are attractive to suicidal people seeking help. Research shows that 45 per cent of those people who use Lifeline's online Crisis Chat service and 30 per cent of those who call Lifeline on 13 11 14 are thinking of suicide at the time that they contact us.
The good news is that more people are reaching out to Lifeline.
"This financial year, Lifeline will answer over 820,000 calls. We're providing crisis intervention successfully, and interrupting the potential for a suicidal act," said Lifeline CEO Jane Hayden.
"Australians have come to rely on Lifeline, and take comfort in the knowledge that should life seem overwhelming, we're here for them, 24/7.
"It's important to remember that behind each suicide statistic are real people facing loss and distress. Lifeline encourages people to talk about suicide, learn about suicide prevention and connect with each other to save lives.
"Lifeline will continue to work closely with our sector partners and the government to broaden our response to suicide prevention, and ensure a more collaborative effort is taken."
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp
